Device for washing objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing devices for medical, dental, and pharmaceutical instruments struggle with uneven illumination, operator safety, and monitoring the status of multiple devices due to inadequate lighting and design.

Innovation Solution

A washing device with a transparent zone between two walls, equipped with light-emitting diodes and light diffusion means for even illumination, and movable doors with integrated lighting and safety features, allowing for controlled brightness and color changes during different washing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single lamp is recessed in a corner of the upper wall to illuminate the tank, then the lamp is protected from water or steam circulating in the tank, but the illumination is uneven and the operator is dazzled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from water and steamVSAvoidevenness of illumination
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the single corner lamp into multiple lighting units distributed along the transparent wall. Each unit contains multiple LEDs arranged in rows, creating segmented illumination zones that collectively provide even coverage across the entire tank without concentrating light in one location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a diffusing element as an intermediary between the LEDs and the tank interior. This diffuser scatters the light from each LED to create a more uniform illumination pattern, preventing direct glare while maintaining even lighting across the washing chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single lamp is recessed in a corner of the upper wall, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot view the operating status from a distance when multiple devices are placed side by side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of lighting structureVSAvoidvisibility of operating status
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent units distributed along the transparent wall, with each unit providing localized illumination and visibility. This segmentation allows operators to view specific areas of interest while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-point light source in the upper wall to a distributed linear arrangement along the transparent wall. This dimensional change from point to line distribution provides continuous visibility along the tank length, enabling operators to monitor operating status from various distances and angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If lighting means are mounted inside the tank to illuminate evenly, then illumination homogeneity is improved, but the lighting means are exposed to water and steam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of illuminationVSAvoidprotection from water and steam
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses the transparent wall as an intermediary barrier between the lighting means and the water/steam environment. The LEDs and diffusing elements are mounted on the external surface of the transparent wall, which transmits light while providing reliable protection from moisture and steam exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting effect is copied to the external surface of the transparent wall through the use of LEDs and diffusers. This creates the appearance of internal illumination while actually placing all lighting components in the protected external environment, eliminating exposure to water and steam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Loss of information

If the transparent wall is made larger to improve visibility, then operator visibility is improved, but the structural strength and sealing are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of tank contentsVSAvoidstructural strength of transparent wall
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent wall is segmented into a fixed structural portion and a movable door portion with integrated lighting. This segmentation allows the fixed portion to maintain optimal structural strength while the movable portion provides enhanced visibility and lighting functionality, balancing strength and visibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent wall has different functional zones: the fixed portion prioritizes structural strength and sealing, while the movable door portion integrates lighting and control features for enhanced visibility. This local differentiation of quality allows the system to optimize both strength and visibility in appropriate locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances operator visibility and safety by providing even and controlled lighting, improving the monitoring of washing processes and reducing operator fatigue, while maintaining protection from water and steam.

Implementation Method 1

the lighting means comprise light-emitting diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the lighting means may also comprise light diffusion means, mounted in the internal space delimited between the two transparent walls, so as to further improve the homogeneity of the lighting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2988648B1Device for washing objects
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 STERIS
  • EP2988648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2988648B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for washing objects, comprising a washing tub wherein the objects to be washed are to be inserted, said tub being defined by walls, at least one (6) of which has a transparent area comprising at least two transparent walls (10, 11) arranged at a distance from each other and defining an inner space (12) between each other. Lighting means (17) are mounted in said inner space (12) and oriented so as to at least partially illuminate the tub.